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Notre Dame announces master’s degree in data science

Notre Dame announced a new online Master of Science degree with a specialization in data science Tuesday, according to a University press release. The program is the result of a collaboration with AT&T and is meant to prepare graduates for careers as data scientists in a variety of industries.

The 21-month degree program is offered by the department of applied and computational mathematics and statistics, in partnership with the department of computer science and engineering, the Mendoza College of Business and the department of psychology. At the pace of half of a full-time load, the program aims to attract working professionals, offering experience in management, marketing, information technology, government policy, health care, finance education and scientific research.

“A graduate of this new program will be equipped with the academic training, analytical insight, imagination and practical skills necessary for success as a data scientist,” Elliott Visconsi, Notre Dame’s chief academic digital officer, said in the release. “Graduates will have the flexibility of mind to master new data science processes, tools and strategies as they emerge, and the ability to communicate effectively and act ethically in this exciting and fast-moving field.”

Participants will be invited to weekend immersions with faculty and industry experts at Notre Dame and in Silicon Valley.

AT&T experts will help design the program’s curriculum, according to the release. Current AT&T employees will also be eligible for discounted tuition and other benefits.

“Every technology going forward must factor in software and data analytics — whether it’s 5G networks, internet of things, artificial intelligence or any of today’s numerous industry drivers,” John Donovan, AT&T’s chief strategy officer and group president of technology and operations said in the release. “AT&T is proud to collaborate with Notre Dame on this innovative online degree program to skill the next generation of data scientists.”

The program is open for students of all academic backgrounds to apply, and begins in August 2017. More information can be found at datascience.nd.edu.